The park, and the festival, are
little-known treasures in Salt Lake City. Located along the banks of
the Jordan River, the park provides a beautiful place for a family
picnic or romp with the kids. The Peace Gardens offer paved walkways
between colorful gardens representing countries from around the
world.

The festival will include multicultural
music and dancing, international food and boutique items.

Admission is free.

The Deseret News has this
article and beautiful photo tour featuring the gardens and
festival Below are excerpts.

The idea for the
International Peace Gardens came about in 1939 just as Europe was
going to war. Utah’s centennial was coming up in 1947 and someone
suggested that the various countries represented in the state should
each plant a garden to reflect their different cultures. All those
gardens standing side-by-side would promote peace by celebrating both
our diversity and our togetherness.

In 1947 the first
garden was finished, the American garden, just in time for the Utah
centennial, and the first peace festival was held. America’s two
opponents in World War II finished their gardens next. Japan’s was
dedicated in 1950 and Germany’s in 1951. A host of other countries
followed — 27 in all — until all available land was claimed by
1999. Tonga, Scotland and France got the last three plots.

There are 57
flowerbeds placed among the 27 country gardens, and many change in
shape and variety every year. Last year everyone entering the
festival was treated to flowers arranged into the shape of huge peace
sign — a tribute to tranquility and the flower children. This year
it’s a huge butterfly.